Garmin Zumo 660.

Garmin International Inc., a unit of Garmin Ltd. (NASDAQ: GRMN), the global leader in satellite navigation, introduced the zümo 660, a new motorcycle device that integrates the slim and sleek design of the nüvi^® with specific features made exclusively for motorcyclists. The  zümo 660 was announced in conjunction with the 2009 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas.

“The  zümo can change your entire experience of touring or everyday rides because it helps you find amazing places to explore,” said Dan Bartel, Garmin’s vice president of worldwide sales. “Whether you’re charting your own course or you plan your trip from your computer and download the route to your GPS beforehand, your ride will be more enjoyable and stress-free because you’ll have peace of mind knowing the  zümo will help you find your way home.”

Ideal for a weekday ride or weeklong trip, the  zümo 660 has features motorcyclists will appreciate like a 4.3” sunlight-readable and customizable touchscreen display, glove-friendly design with left-handed controls and oversized touchscreen buttons. The ruggedized and waterproof (IEC 529 IPX-7 standards) device comes loaded with detailed, street-level maps of the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico that have over six million points of interest including gas stations, lodging, restaurants, attractions and more. The  zümo 660 speaks street names so riders will receive turn-by-turn, voice prompted directions, such as “turn right on Main Street,” via the built-in speaker or through a compatible Bluetooth helmet or headset.

The  zümo 660 also comes equipped with advanced routing capabilities. Lane assist with junction view guides riders to the correct lane for an approaching turn or exit, and realistically displays road signs and junctions on the route along with arrows that indicate the proper lane for navigation. In some major metropolitan areas, surrounding buildings are displayed in a 3D transparent view. A new multiple routing feature customers can see a map preview of the proposed fastest route, shortest route and off road route prior to choosing to navigate it. This capability gives riders additional situational awareness before they begin their journey.

The  zümo 660 also has enhanced Bluetooth Wireless Technology (A2DP) that amplifies audio for a crisp sound, and makes it possible to receive and place phone calls as well as receive navigational cues wirelessly to Bluetooth enabled headsets or helmets. The zümo supports over 200 Bluetooth enabled phones so riders can retrieve and dial numbers using a supported phone’s contact list or from the phone’s call history log. A user can also make calls from  zümo’s huge points of interest database.

While riding, it is easy to access trip information directly fr zümoom the ’s trip information page like speed, heading, altitude, and a customizable fuel gauge that can be modified to the motorcycle’s maximum fuel range. If a rider wants to leave the pavement for the trai zümol, the  accepts Garmin’s MapSource^® U.S. Topo maps for off-road navigation. Sharing rides with others or keeping a detailed log of trips is also easy thanks to  zümo Connect, an online community of routes and riders. Zümo owners can also plan routes online through Google or MapQuest and send the routes or points of interest to the  zümo before they begin their journey. In addition, riders can swap routes and waypoints with other  zümo owners via the unit’s microSD card slot.

Like other members of the  zümo family, the  zümo 660 has many security features. The mount is designed to withstand the severe vibration environment commonly experienced in motorcycle riding. The  zümo also includes Garmin Lock^®, a unique theft prevention system that disables the  zümo from performing any functions until the user types in a specific 4-digit PIN or takes the unit to a predetermined secure location. If the user does not know the PIN or secure location, the  zümo will be inoperative.

The  zümo 660 is expected to be available in the first quarter of 2009 at $799.99. Additional information is available at www.garmin.com.

Photo by Jerry Reynolds.

Last year in Daytona, hundreds of women riders joined together on the Harley-Davidson Daytona Women’s Day Ride and raised $67,000 for MDA. Registration for the 2009 ride on Tuesday, March 3, is now open with a limited number of spots available for women riders.

The Women’s Day Ride, designed to celebrate women riders, as well as generate funds for the MDA, is open to the first 500 eligible female Harley-Davidson or Buell riders who register at http://www.harley-davidson.com/womenriders before Friday, Feb. 13, 2009. Aside from riding together through the streets of Daytona, participating women riders are also encouraged to secure pledges and donations from their families and friends, which will be used to support the MDA’s Summer Camp programs across the country. For nearly 30 years, the Harley-Davidson family of dealers, employees, riders and suppliers has helped raise more than $65 million for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA).

“Last year the Women’s Day Ride was a huge success,” said Leslie Prevish, Women’s Outreach Manager, Harley-Davidson Motor Company. “Riding down the road with hundreds of women riders was truly inspirational, and more importantly, we raised $67,000 for MDA. Hopefully this year, with the support of our generous female riders, as well as their friends and family, we’ll easily eclipse that mark.”

All participating riders will receive a 2009 MDA pin, as well as an MDA/Harley-Davidson bike flag. The top three fundraisers among the group will receive a Harley-Davidson jacket, and every rider who raises at least $600 will receive a special 2009 MDA Women’s Day Ride sterling silver charm.

Daytona Women’s Booth

Women have increasingly embraced the sport of motorcycling — seeking the freedom and control associated with the open road, polished chrome and a sweet sounding engine. In fact today, the Motorcycle Industry Council estimates that more than 12% of U.S. motorcyclists are women.

To help fuel that trend and encourage women to meet and talk about their experiences, the Motor Company is also hosting a Women’s Booth at the Ocean Center throughout Daytona Bike Week where experienced women riders or those just looking for information on how to get started can learn more about the sport. The booth will include bike lift seminars as well as information about learning to ride, “helmet hair” tips, healthy living while on the road and more.

Women that visit the booth will also have the chance to meet Karen Davidson, the great grand-daughter of one of the Motor Company founders, and are invited to share their riding stories or dreams of getting behind the handlebars by signing a banner featured at the booth.

What Else Harley’s Doing to Inspire Women to Ride

Harley-Davidson’s We Ride is a basic overview on what a new rider or a woman interested in riding needs to know about getting into the sport. It features information on how and where women can learn to ride with details on the Rider’s Edge New Rider Course and the best way to fit a motorcycle for a woman’s ergonomic and functional needs. It also includes tips on getting involved and staying active with riding groups, as well as inspirational stories from real women who have answered the call of the open road. The special 48-page riding guide is available for free download at http://www.harley-davidson.com/womenriders or for free shipment when you order online and can also be picked up at any local Harley-Davidson dealership.

Harley-Davidson dealerships across the country are hosting free women-only Garage Parties to encourage them to get involved in motorcycling. The Harley-Davidson Garage Party event provides a non-intimidating environment for women to learn more about motorcycling and to meet other women who are interested in riding.

For more information about Harley-Davidson and women and riding, visit http://www.harley-davidson.com/womenriders.

Photo by cogdogblog.

Overall satisfaction with the motorcycle ownership experience has increased for a sixth consecutive year to a record-high level, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2008 Motorcycle Competitive Information Study(SM).

Now in its 11th year, the study measures owner satisfaction with new motorcycles by examining five major components of the overall ownership experience: product; quality; cost of ownership; sales; and service.

Overall motorcycle ownership satisfaction averages 814 (based on a 1,000-point scale) in 2008, up 5 points from 2007. While all five components driving satisfaction improve in 2008, the most notable increases occur in the areas of cost of ownership and product quality.

Overall, satisfaction with cost of ownership has increased steadily over time. In 2008, satisfaction with cost of ownership improves by 11 points from 2007 to an average of 707. In addition, 18 percent of owners in 2008 report that the cost of owning their motorcycles is “outstanding” (a rating of 10 on a 10-point scale), compared with only 10 percent of customers in 2005 who indicated the same. Furthermore, 30 percent of motorcycle owners in 2008 indicate that the value they received for the price paid is “outstanding,” compared with 21 percent in 2005.

The study finds that product quality has improved in 2008, compared with 2007, primarily due to a decrease in owner-reported problems. The overall number of problems reported averages 152 problems per 100 vehicles (PP100)-down 8 PP100 from 2007. In addition, the number of owners who report having a problem-free experience with their motorcycle averages 42 percent in 2008, an improvement of 3 percentage points, compared with 2007.

“Despite the fact that owners report paying 14 percent more for their motorcycles this year, they are also more satisfied with the value received for the money spent,” said Tim Fox, research manager of the powersports practice at J.D. Power and Associates. “There are several motorcycle models with a higher price point that owners have indicated are a particularly good value for the money. This demonstrates that if you make a superior product, consumers are willing to pay a higher price for it because they believe it to be an excellent value.”

The study also finds that the industry continues to struggle with attracting younger, first-time motorcycle buyers.

“Since 2001, the average age of motorcycle owners has increased from 40 to 47 years,” said Fox. “This indicates that the current population of motorcycle buyers is aging, and a large proportion of these owners are likely to soon exit the market. Because first-time motorcycle buyers comprise 22 percent of all new motorcycle purchases — a figure has remained relatively flat since 2001 — it is critical for manufacturers to focus on attracting first-time and younger buyers — primarily those in the Gen X and Y demographics — in order to ensure continued growth in this market.”

The study also includes the following findings:

• Among motorcycle owners who visit a dealer for repair work, 79 percent report that the repair was performed correctly the first time — an increase of four percentage points from 2007.
• The two problems that have the greatest negative impact on overall product satisfaction are rough paint and engines that overheat. Other problems that have a particularly strong impact on satisfaction include gearshift issues, lacking power, and the ride being too stiff or too soft.
• During the past seven years, satisfaction with the engine and transmission has shown the greatest improvement among product-related aspects.

The 2008 Motorcycle Competitive Information Study includes responses from 7,334 owners who purchased new on-road or dual-sport motorcycles between September 2007 and May 2008. Owners were surveyed in September and October 2008.

Inspired by the legendary XR750, the XR1200 is the newest member of the Sportster family, and comes to the U.S. following its Europe-only release back in April.

Harley Davidson XR1200

The XR750 was the most dominating American dirt track racing motorcycle of all-time, earning the Number One plate in an unprecedented 26 AMA flat track seasons.  In fact, as a tribute to the XR750, there is a pre-sale of only 750 XR1200 models from 12/1 – 12/15.

Drawing significant design influences from the successful Harley-Davidson XR750 motorcycles that set new standards for dirt track racing success over the last 30 years, the XR1200 features technical innovation to provide potent street performance and handling. In fact, Harley-Davidson dirt track racing legends Scott Parker and Rich King participated in the XR1200 development, along with European GP racing champion Adrien Morillas.

The 1200cc Evolution V-Twin cranks out 90 hp with high torque. Rubber mounted to a new frame with a cast aluminum swingarm, the engine delivers exhilarating performance and responsive handling with less vibration. A unique upswept, high-volume 2-1-2 straight shot exhaust system includes dual mufflers and is finished in satin chrome.

Harley-Davidson XR1200

A sport-tuned Showa® suspension with inverted 43 mm front forks and twin preload adjustable shocks combines with lightweight black cast three-spoke wheels to make the XR1200 ride and corner with feeling. Specially designed Dunlop® Qualifier D209 tires connect the rider to the road, while Nissin® four-piston calipers and large dual disc front brakes provide stopping power.

Photo by Michael Pierce.

I yawn and roll over. There’s a burr somewhere near my ankle that has been pestering the hell out of me for most of the night. I struggle to locate the little… aggravation and finally succeed. There’s a definite downside to these camping… aggravations. I can’t get back to sleep. After laying in the dark for an hour listening to the night critters, there’s no more sleep to be found. I have to admit the truth. I’m wide awake.

I poke my head out of my tent to find that it is indeed as dark as the inside of any large animal you’d care to ruminate about. A firm press on the side of my trusty Timex “IndiGlow” ($12.95 at Target) wristwatch reveals the worst. I’m not surprised to find the big hand pointing to 6 and the little hand pointing to… uh… I need to put my glasses on for this. Oh…crud, the little hand is pointing to that odious blurred gap between 3 and 4. With a sigh, I launch myself into the now routine packing up camp jig. Thankfully there’s nobody but me utilizing this wee campground. I don’t have to feel guilty about waking anyone else, so I don’t. Both my bike and I grumble our way onto the road.

Twenty minutes ago I was sleeping. Now, I’m boring a hole through the inky blackness of a twisted gem of a highway. I head to Eugene on Oregon Highway 242. The Old McKenzie Pass Highway is narrow, and twirls through volcanic outflows and old growth timber, like a demented hippy-dancer at a Grateful Dead concert. It may be dark but the super bright headlamp I fitted to the nose of my beloved Kawasaki shreds the night while I play a funky beat with my right hand.

My sense of unity with the road, and with my motorcycle brings certain clarity to my head. No longer do I have feelings of failure. I am successfully living once again.

With clear skies and a warm morning sun playing through the trees along the highway, I follow the McKenzie River the last few miles to my favorite town in all of Oregon. I’m about to ride into “The World Headquarters of All Things Tie-died”. Some Hippy Haters call Eugene – ”Blue Gene”. I shrug that silliness off and admire how Eugene celebrates the free spirit in all of us. Heck, I’ve worn tie-died t-shirts most of my life. I just haven’t told anyone about my hidden Hippy.

Besides, the growling from my belly reminds me I’m hungry, and the pounding in my head from lack of caffeine increases my craving for a quad mocha. A stop at a long established café in the heart of town lets me soak up some Hippy Funk. I sit on a groovy little bentwood chair at a groovy little glass topped table and my waitress is a groovy college chick with dreadlocks and armpit hair. Soaking up all this Hippy ambiance, I listen to a cd of primitive World Music and savor some fresh free range chicken fried steak and a couple of certified organic eggs on eleventy-billion grain fresh baked bread. Hand sliced of course.

Eugene is a special kind of place. Yes, it sure is. Oh! Look! I think I just rode past the largest collection of VW Micro busses on earth!

Cool!

With a glance skyward to thank Jerry Garcia and all the Keyseyian Merry Pranksters, I turn onto Territorial Highway and head for Corvallis. My meandering route today will take me off the beaten track and onto some amazing one lane paved forest service roads.

It’s possible to ride from end to end in Oregon and do so without spending more than a few miles at a time on a road with a centerline. I won’t be pulling that feat off today or tomorrow. Instead, I’ll enjoy a sampling of some of the best motorcycle roads in the US of A.

We all know, Northern California has some famous roads. In fact, Highway 1 is one of the most frequently named “Ten Best Roads in North America”. I’ve ridden the coast route between Los Angeles and Crescent City a bunch of times. I’d never argue that it’s not a great road.

Riding in Oregon on this trip causes my opinion of ‘the best’ to waver. What I’m currently experiencing passing under my wheels is a revelation. In all my years of driving and riding in the Northwest and California; nobody told me that Oregon has so many hidden roads that rival the fantastic roads of California. If all you ever do is drive the Interstate from one end of the state to the other, you’ll never know what you’ve missed.

I’m throwing my bike through corners on yet another unknown road that gallops, falls, swirls and swoops through a dense forest. I’ve been doing this moto-dance for hours and I haven’t passed a single car or truck. Focus man! There’s no cell phone service out here and you’re still fifty miles from civilization! Plunge, bark, scritch, wail and flog. I’m working up a sweat with an outside temperature in the low 60s. I love it.

As the sun heads towards the horizon, I am sitting in yet another great coastal restaurant. Panko breading coated line caught Halibut dressed with a spicy wasabi based sauce, and accompanied by a fresh spinach salad used to hold a place on my plate. Now, it’s a pleasant memory in my belly. A crisp Rogue Ale has found it’s way past my lips and over my tongue. Life is good. I could get used to this kind of traveling.

I pay my waitperson (who’ll be here all week!) and head back up the hill from the tourist heavy Old Town area of Newport. A snug and simple motel room makes a nice break from the last week of camping. A hot shower, a book and a cold beer results in a solid night of sleep. As I fade away, I realize – there’s no burr bugging my ankle.

Morning means I continue north along the coast.

Today I dawdle, I delay, and I drag my feet like a five year old being told to go to bed. I’m very much aware that my trip is winding down. I’ve been on the road for almost a full month. I’ve grown used to riding nearly every day. I don’t fumble into my gear or waver in my riding. I’m as tuned in to being a motorcyclist as I’ve ever been. My riding is sure, confident and smooth. Yet, I take double the normal amount of time to pack my luggage. I stretch out the pre-ride walk around. I take chunks of extra time when I really shouldn’t be doing so.

I’ve become accustomed to setting my own schedule, planning (or not) my day by a whim rather than a need. Today, I have a goal. I look at the map this day, not with a sense of ‘where to?’ but with a sense of ’I need to be at that point by this time’. Already I note the subtle change in my mindset.

By this time tomorrow my trip will be a memory. I don’t want to be riding today. I don’t want this ride to end.

I press on. Riding north with the slate waters of the Pacific comforting me.

Afternoon is marked by crossing the Columbia River into my home state. The closer I get to home, the more I notice the frantic pace of humanity surrounding me. By late afternoon I’m at the southern edges of Puget Sound. The towns are closer together. My world begins to morph from a world of one into a world of suburbs, towns and cities. Finally with a knot of congestion it all congeals into one huge stewpot of people, where all those metropolitan zones merge.

I’m on the freeway this afternoon for the first time in weeks. I’m threatened again by people in their cages. They blissfully sip on their lattes as if I’m not there. The always busy cell phones are pressed to their ears with more fervor than ever. I dodge the lane changers who can’t be bothered to use their turn signals. I hover ahead of devil spawned tail-gaters in a self created safe zone as huge trucks and mini-van driving soccer moms do everything they can to squash me.

Stopping in front of a familiar door I reach down, and with a gloved finger I reluctantly press on the button of the garage door opener that has hung on my tank bag, unused for a month. I can’t hear the door open, even though I know there’s a rumble and a couple of clunks from the electric garage lift. I add an adjustment of the opener hardware to my mental list of things to do, as I pull into the comforting space of my garage.

This ride is over. I’ve covered more than eight thousand miles of roads. I’ve shared meals with friends. I’ve healed, I’ve learned to forgive and I’ve had a ball doing it.

With one last reach for the key, my journey ends.

The garage is swallowed by silence.